LAKELAND, Fla. -- Detroit Tigers left-handed reliever Blaine Hardy is still waiting to make his Grapefruit League debut.

And the clock is ticking.

Hardy, out since a shoulder impingement flared up early in camp, hopes to be throwing again soon. But he also knows that rushing his comeback would be counterproductive.

"I'd love to be pitching tomorrow, but it's not in the cards. It wouldn't be smart," he said.

Although there are still two-and-a-half weeks left until Opening Day, Tigers pitching coach Chris Bosio said it will be increasingly difficult for Hardy to be ready by the end of camp.

"It's going to be tough. He's chomping at the bit," Bosio said. "Yes, he's lost some time; things have to fall relatively clean for him for (him to be ready for Opening Day). He's lost three appearances probably and three more bullpens. So somehow we're going to have to make up for at least three bullpens and a simulated game for him before he sees action."

The injury to Hardy and a season-ending knee injury to left-hander Travis Wood could open a bullpen opportunity for left-hander Chad Bell. But not, apparently, Daniel Norris.